E-Learning is the simplest way of utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside traditional classroom which is usually conducted via electronic media typically on the internet.  Today, most institutions and organizations are embracing and incorporating e-learning as a tool for educating/training students and employees because of the existing e-learning solutions for both computers and internet.

It varies across a long spectrum because of the different contexts that require different requirements. For example; some situations may just need a basic course while others may need something with an advanced, interactive module of presenting content.

Types of E-Learning

• Synchronous; this involves interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in real time. Participants are able to interact with each other as well as the instructor through instant messaging, audios, video conferencing and the sessions can be recorded and played back. This type of e-learning is used in soft-skill training in concept-based training of students to help with their regular studies interpersonal skills, diversity and teaching foreign languages.

• Asynchronous; this involves participants to use the web based training platform without live interaction with the instructor. One can be able to access information 24/7 at their own convenience with interactions through message boards, discussion forums and bulletin boards. This type is used in generic business topics like financial and time management which organizations don’t understand because it’s cost effective, projects that need extensive simulation, training material that is static, training of organization content that has a long shelf like profile and introduction and lastly process-based training.

Benefits of using E-Learning as a medium of training/educating people

To Organizations

Improves employee performance; employees can overcome their immediate skills and training barriers (Just-In-Time solution)

Aligns training to an organization’s needs; this is so because e-learning is a powerful tool in ensuring that new initiatives like new operating procedures are delivered effectively and consistently across the organization and impact readily accessed.

E-learning delivers to a targeted group of employees without a live instructor; employees can continue learning on the job or when it is convenient to them thus it is cost effective and saves time.

Employee growth and awareness; when employees are sponsored for a training in your organization, they are morale boosted, increasing their motivation to complete the training. An organization should know that e-learning that cross trains your employees enables them to become more adept at handling situations and encourages them to grow their career path with you.

To Institutions

Class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work, resulting in flexible learning.

Learners may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interests and also self-paced learning modules allow learners to work at their own pace

Learners can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet thus reduces travel costs and time to and from the institution.

Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms

Different learning styles are addressed and facilitation of learning occurs through varied activities.

Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning. It also develops their computer and internet skills that are transferable to other facets of learner’s lives.

More and more organizations/institutions mostly in Uganda are embracing e-learning as a medium of teaching and training because it is flexible, cost effective, helps one meet their organization needs and so many other benefits that have not been exhausted. Kindly contact me on how to acquire the E-learning services/solutions for your institution or organization.